Landmarks Honors Former Director Carolyn Hewes Toft

Carolyn Hewes Toft

January 24, 2009

On the evening of January 24, 2009, the doors of Architecture St. Louis were thrown open to honor Carolyn Hewes Toft, the former Executive Director of Landmarks Association who retired this summer after 32 years at the helm. Board President Bill Wischmeyer praised the former director saying "it is fair to say that Carolyn Toft has effectively been Landmarks Association for as long as anyone can remember. Due to her guidance and direction, the membership has grown to over 1,300 and Landmarks is recognized throughout the country as one of the nation's premier preservation organizations." Toft's accomplishments while director of Landmarks are numerous and reflect her determination, thoroughness, and passion. One of her greatest accomplishments was securing Missouri's historic rehabilitation tax credits law, one of the state's most important economic development tools. Her most recent accomplishment was the creation of Architecture St. Louis, a center to promote St. Louis' architectural heritage and encourage sound planning. The event also served as a kick-off for a year-long celebration marking the organization's fiftieth anniversary. Turnout was exceptional and included members and the general public who came to thank Carolyn for her stellar service and to celebrate Landmark's fifty years of tireless advocacy for the preservation and promotion of St. Louis' architectural heritage.

Note: The Staff and Board of Directors of Landmarks Association wish to thank everyone who made donations to the organization in honor of Carolyn. We sincerely appreciate your support.